GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 24, 2014) – After a recent rash of violence in downtown Grand Rapids that has left at least three people shot, city, business and law enforcement leaders are coming together to increase security measures.
FOX 17 has learned an effort is also underway among city, county, state and the federal government to expand surveillance in Grand Rapids.
Dozens of security cameras are already part of the landscape.
They’re on parking structures, businesses, and major roadways, put in place to monitor traffic and help deter crime.
In some areas, business owners are stepping up, installing additional lighting and cameras.
The City of Grand Rapids is looking to expand its closed-circuit security network.
Today, the city has formed a voluntary partnership between law enforcement and private businesses.
The city says it signed non-disclosure agreements with those businesses, so they wouldn’t be made public.
However, Kent County emergency manager Jack Stewart tells FOX 17 the cameras are all outdoors “where there would be no expectation of privacy.”
Grand Rapids Police can tap into what the cameras are seeing, though they cannot control them.
GRPD Capt. David Kiddle tells FOX 17 the deal has allowed the department greater surveillance access without purchasing cameras of their own.
But that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying to expand their reach.
The city is actively pursuing money from the Department of Homeland Security that would allow them to purchase additional equipment.
Money and federal rules are two of the obstacles the city faces as it tries to expand the program.
But city and county leaders say they hope it grows so they can increase safety and security downtown.
